Data from the Health Insurance Organisation show that Cypriots make very limited use of the preventive screenings available through GeSY, raising concern and prompting the organisation to launch a new awareness campaign targeting both citizens and doctors, according to a report by Phileleftheros.
Participation among women in Pap smear testing is especially low. In 2024, 22.3% of eligible beneficiaries were screened, compared with 21.2% in 2025. For women with no symptoms or medical history, the test is carried out every two years up to the age of 65. However, where there are indications, symptoms, or a relevant medical history justifying more frequent testing, the screening is fully covered by GeSY regardless of frequency.
For prostate cancer screening, the figures are higher but still not satisfactory. In 2024, 42.7% of men over the age of 45 were tested, rising slightly to 43.3% in 2025. Among men over 65, the rate exceeded 52%.
The picture is particularly worrying when it comes to preventive vision screening for children. In 2024, only 11.9% of children were examined, while in 2025 the figure rose marginally to 12.2%.
Even more concerning are the overall numbers: of the 188,866 children eligible for screening over the past two years, only 37,539 were examined.
Use of dental services also remains low, with 32.7% of beneficiaries receiving care in 2024 and 34.1% in 2025.
The Health Insurance Organisation stressed that prevention is a key pillar of public health, as it reduces risk factors, supports early diagnosis, and limits disease complications.
Source: Φιλελεύθερος
